Lack of audible power does not show a lack of trust in Schaub, it’s Gary Kubiak’s system

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Texans coach Gary Kubiak answered a question at his Monday news conference that’s caused a stir — and a lot of confusion.

Kubiak was asked if quarterback Matt Schaub could have audibled out of the bootleg call that resulted in his interception that was returned 58 yards by cornerback Richard Sherman to tie the game in the 23-20 overtime loss to Seattle.

“No, once we called it, started the motion, it was game on,” Kubiak said. “So we just had a very, very poor play, like I told you.”

Kubiak took the blame, contending that he should have called a run on third-and-four at the Seahawks’ 40.

Schaub read blitz when he saw strong safety Kam Chancellor at the line of scrimmage. Schaub should have thrown the ball away or taken the sack rather than try to force it to tight end Owen Daniels.

Here’s how the Texans’ operate: Schaub has a lot of freedom at the line of scrimmage.

Kubiak said later that Schaub checked the Texans out of “a lot situations” in which the defensive formation wasn’t conducive to what the Texans wanted to run.

When the Texans are in their hurry-up offense, Schaub calls everything at the line of scrimmage.

Otherwise, Kubiak’s system doesn’t utilize audibles that allow Schaub – or any quarterback – to decide what play to call based on the defense.

Kubiak’s comment doesn’t go to show a lack of trust in Schaub at all. People are reading his comment that way, but it’s not the case.

The Texans have predetermined options that are set by the coaches.

Schaub can call two plays in the huddle based on what the coverage might be. He can check out of one and go with the other at the line of scrimmage.

Common sense should tell you that if it’s third-and-2 and the defense puts 11 players in the box that Schaub will switch to another play.

On the play in question, once the receiver started in motion, it was too late to check off.

On the bootleg, the quarterback has the option to throw to a receiver, throw it away, run or take the sack.